Cosmic Microwave Background Polarimetry Using Correlation Receivers with the PIQUE and CAPMAP Experiments
/ Authors
D. Barkats, D. Barkats, C. Bischoff, P. Farese, T. Gaier, J. Gundersen, Matthew M. Hedman, Matthew M. Hedman, L. Hyatt, Jeff McMahon
and 5 more authors
D. Samtleben, S. Staggs, E. Stefanescu, K. Vanderlinde, B. Winstein
/ Abstract
The Princeton IQU Experiment (PIQUE) and the Cosmic Anisotropy Polarization Mapper (CAPMAP) are experiments designed to measure the polarization of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) on sub-degree scales in an area within 1° of the North Celestial Pole using heterodyne correlation polarimeters and off-axis telescopes located in central New Jersey. PIQUE produced the tightest limit on the CMB polarization prior to its detection by DASI, while CAPMAP has recently detected polarization at ℓ ~ 1000. The experimental methods and instrumentation for these two projects are described in detail with emphasis on the particular challenges involved in measuring the tiny polarized component of the CMB.
Journal: The Astrophysical Journal Supplement Series
DOI: 10.1086/430208